Early Risers.

[Happy Hippo]

4 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

Of course, to be an effective sniper you need to be [a] highly trained and be equipped with an appropriate rifle. 

Although the Canadians have banned the 5 shot semi auto Accuracy international AW 50, the AX 50, which is virtually the same rifle but in bolt action configuration, is still legal.

[The Stationmaster]

7 hours ago, BR60103 said:

On the Wheel of Fortune show last night, someone filled out the lyric as "Clank, clank, clank, went the trolley".

So obviously not either a reader of ERs (or even a Judy Garland afficionado)

[tigerburnie]

Morning, been busy with the "G" word today, greenhouse is going mad with the warmer temperatures, I do like home grown produce.

Re Marmite, another fan here, though as I used to live about 2 miles from the factory in Branston(I lived in Barton Under Needwood) I could have been put off by the industrial quantity of smells that emanated from there most days.

Re air rifles and sound moderators, up here in Scotland we do have to have a certificate, though I don't see any reference to moderators on it.

[PeterBB]

Agree about the smells emanating from the Marmite factory - absolutely hated it as we were uphill from it in the days of Burton living.

2 minutes ago, tigerburnie said:

Morning, been busy with the "G" word today, greenhouse is going mad with the warmer temperatures, I do like home grown produce.

Re Marmite, another fan here, though as I used to live about 2 miles from the factory in Branston(I lived in Barton Under Needwood) I could have been put off by the industrial quantity of smells that emanated from there most days.

Re air rifles and sound moderators, up here in Scotland we do have to have a certificate, though I don't see any reference to moderators on it.

 

[Happy Hippo]

4 minutes ago, tigerburnie said:

 

Re air rifles and sound moderators, up here in Scotland we do have to have a certificate, though I don't see any reference to moderators on it.

That's because the AGC (Scotland) was what is considered by the vast majority as a pointless and vexatious legislation only applies to air rifles which do not require an FAC. so they are governed by the same regulations as the rest of the UK (NI being a separate case, where all firearms require licencing:  Yet you can still legally possess an FAC rated pistol, unlike the rest of the UK!)

[PhilJ W]

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Many happy returns Stewart. Slept in rather late this morning, it is still morning (just).

[45156]

Afternoon All

 

Thanks for the birthday greetings here and elsewhere - a beer will be consumed fairly soon to celebrate what is probably the oddest birthday I ever had - staying in, and only a few cards, as we are only getting post every other day - and we last had a delivery on Thursday - well the rest will come sometime.  One of my friends rang to check if I was in yesterday, as he wanted to deliver a present - turned out to be seven bottles of beer - one a day for a week - most are local brews like Lancaster Red, Bowland Pleasant Pheasant, and one bottle of one of my real favourites - Old Empire IPA.

 

I just can't sit around, it's not in my nature, so the next stage of getting the front door fettled took place with a tin of Johnstones' best gloss in a lovely shade of green being applied as a first topcoat - in a couple of days, it will be sanded again, as there are a couple of drips, then it will be given a final coat - hopefully that will be the end of the trials of the front door for a few years.  Unfortunately, my la*out is still in my imagination, so no m*d*lling can take place. 

 

DInner will be of my choosing today, and I've actually chosen pork chipolatas, mashed potato, and beans - I always enjoy it as a meal - washed down with the bottle of Old Empire IPA.

 

It's Lily's birthday tomorrow, so here's a picture I took a day or two ago - she didn't seem too fussed about reading the railway book - I'm not surprised as it's got a GWR loco pictured on the back.

 

Regards to All

Stewart

 

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2020 by 45156

[The Stationmaster]

Morning all,

 

Happy birthday to Stewart and many more of them - must be about 8 years since we met at an RMweb day at Stafford so we ought really both try to get to the next meet once we're allowed out.

 

And sorry to start on a sour note but I can't stand Marmite, even a whiff of it gives me the tummy rumbles. (hence carefully planned torture sessions at times by the Good Doctor who adores the stuff - for some obscure reason that owes little to genetics).  But now to leftovers and any we do have are all put to good use - the Christmas Dinner chicken produces on average over a dozen 'people meals' for humans running from roast through curry, sarnies, occasionally something else and finally ending as soup while apart from a few scraps going into one of the cats all the final bits of bone, skin, and gristle provide a lunch time snack for half a dozen or more Red Kites.  Absolutely none of it is thrown away.  And plenty of other meals are concocted out of leftovers although in recent times it has often been the case that several ready meals are boxed up and put in the freezer ready for the workers to take to work - however the later is changing a bit as the Good Doctor receives a 'Boost Box' (an arrangement started by Ron Dennis' Dreamchasing charity) when she is at work as all the staff on the ward get one everyday and they are a meal and a bit in themselves.

 

The V word appears to be in use around the house today and the upstairs cleaning gang has been busy after the Good Doctor's initial shopping trip to Tesco during the during 'NHS hour' first thing.  I'm not sure if the grass will be dry enough to cut today but it is definitely beginning to need it although that will mean the sacrifice of a couple of cowslips on the lawn - I leave them alone in the 'rough' area as they are mainly in the wild flower area which is not cut once plants are in bloom.  for a plant which not so long back was being taked of as getting near to extinction we seem to have an awful lot of them not that it bothers us one bit.

 

Have a good day one and all and stay safe

[BSW01]

Good afternoon everyone 

 

Late on parade again today, must have needed the kip. A bit of gardening to do before dinner, then some more time in the workshop after dinner. 

 

Happy birthday Stewart 

 

Back later 

[45156]

14 minutes ago, The Stationmaster said:

 

 must be about 8 years since we met at an RMweb day at Stafford so we ought really both try to get to the next meet once we're allowed out.

 

 

Indeed, Mike it was about 8 years ago, and it was a very good day indeed, even though the weather was not all that brilliant - I recall that the West Coast Main Line was almost flooded - and yes, I do hope to meet up again sometime in the not too distant future - shame that the ERs gathering fell through.

[Ohmisterporter]

Happy birthday Stewart, and Lily. I miss our chats at the gate, not quite the same online.

[Gwiwer]

18 hours ago, Gwiwer said:

kale and pinto beans which I am assured will taste much nicer than they sound in a smoked paprika sauce and enhanced by roasted sausages.  I'll let you know

 

Good morning all.  OK it's strictly just after noon but who's counting?  

 

A Happy Birthday to Stewart.  Welcome to the Covid Club of Locked-down Lack of Festivities.  I myself expect to join that club in two weeks' time.  

 

Last night's evening feast was actually better than it sounded though it certainly sounded at intervals well into the night!  Beans, y'know  Luckily for us there are few neighbours about and antisocial distancing means no-one but us was there to share the experience!  

 

A somewhat dull day has arrived Upon the Hill of Strawberries but not as cold as it has been first thing.  Probably as well because we left some plants outside the greenhouse last night in order to harden off before they go in the Big Wide World of the garden beds.  Today's task, I am told, is to dig over the bean patch and plant the canes ready to accept vegetation in a few day's time.  We can also harvest the first of our lettuces which will be included with lunch in due course.  The mulberries are beginning to blush and if the squirrels don't get them first it looks to be a good crop on the way.

 

I am waiting for my sister to call with news this morning.  On Friday she complained of a migraine (from which she suffers regularly) and yesterday of a sore throat and sore chest.  No cough.  Temperature is normal.  But she is trying to get a test just in case.  As a possibly-symptomatic key worker she should be able to get tested now.  

 

Fingers crossed on all counts.  

 

 

 

 

[PhilJ W]

Mention of toasted sarnies reminded me that I haven't had cheese on toast for a while. I lightly toast the bread then cover it with thinly sliced cheese slightly overhanging the edges. (No butter or margerine, it makes the toast soggy.) I then added a layer of chopped onion and covered it with grated cheese. Grill under a low heat until the cheese melts and turns a golden brown.

[45156]

It's Old Empire O'clock.  Rick, I wanted to mark your post as thanks, and supportive - hope all is well with your sister, and am I to assume that you are being furloughed at work from your comment about joining the lack of festivities club?

Edited May 3, 2020 by 45156

[TheQ]

Afternoon awl, 

Ben the happy Collie has just departed on his long patrol with SWMBO, so  I'm enjoying a corned beef and raw onion tiny sarnie.. Tiny?  Yes our latest red cross parcel contained the correct bread but in a miniature form, each slice is about 4 inches square,  so I'm having a pig out with two.. 

 

I carried out building the external shelving till I ran out of wood,  wandered down towards The MhRC and spotted,  two more decking planks.  They too are now made smaller to fit and have been installed.. So I'm now short of.....  1 plank..

While fitting the upper shelves I took advantage and injected sealant in a few crevices at the roof wall Junction.  As the garage has gradually got darker I can see more gaps that need filling. Access is the problem as there is so much junk in there. 

 

SWMBO has been filling the shelves with various potted things.. 

 

Just as I packed up I spotted the ply base for the next scenic sub board,  this has now had suitable wooden bracing fitted and will accompany me shortly to the MhRC for scenic foam installation. 

 

I'm off carrying something,  a can of fermented apple juice awaits. 

[Happy Hippo]

6 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

 I have made a promise to myself (and to Lucy and Schotty) that when it is time for them to go, they will be euthanised at home. Our vet provides this service and, in extremis, Mrs iD’s old friend - also a vet - could be called upon. As much as it will be emotionally devastating for me, I want them to have their last moments safe in my arms. I owe them that much.

I had this with Elsa.

 

Despite the emotions involved, it's far less traumatic that having to drive to the vet with your pet, and then afterwards have to drive home with just the lead and collar.

 

I still wonder about getting another dog.

 

 Just when I'd convinced myself I didn't need one, our neighbours both next door and next door but one, have both got puppies in the house. (Chihuahua and Westie respectively).

 

No doubt when the lock in is over, I'll manage to get some walking and dog sitting duties (I do NOT mean I will sit on the poor things!)

Edited May 3, 2020 by Happy Hippo

[Andrew P]

Many Happy Returns Stewart, hope you have a good day and many more to come.

[Gwiwer]

49 minutes ago, 45156 said:

It's Old Empire O'clock.  Rick, I wanted to mark your post as thanks, and supportive - hope all is well with your sister, and am I to assume that you are being furloughed at work from your comment about joining the lack of festivities club?

Stewart thank you.  I am awaiting an update from my sister which might not be today.  She says she thinks her symptoms are not the Dreadful Lurgy but I strongly suggested she get tested because they are listed as symptoms "in some cases".  

 

Currently I am not furloughed and am not now expecting to be.  Most railway staff on the "live" side have been able to continue normally though new working patterns have been introduced in some areas.  As there are far more staff available than duties for them some locations have been working a week-on, week-off (but still fully paid) roster.  As we are at Britain's busiest station (still -despite everything - wearing that mantle) the risk assessments carried out determined that we should work normally.  Booking office staff are back after a three-week furlough though only working half-time in most locations and only one per office.  Gateline staff were sent home but returned the next day after police and security staff raised concerns about open-access to stations; aside from the (minimal) loss of revenue there is the safety of everyone to consider and we were, and are, alert to the likelihood of an increased number of distressed persons possibly being around the railway.  Safety critical staff such as myself have not been furloughed at any time.  

[Coombe Barton]

Leftovers was lunch.

[Shedman5]

Afternoon, Firstly congratulations Stewart on your birthday many more to come I trust.

 

Well after a lazy morning I decided to trim the hedges leaving the lawns until tomorrow, this work was done in bright sunshine and blue sky however the sky has turned a black colour and a shower is on the cards.

 

My view on Marmite sadly for those of you who love  it is Marmite= the spawn of the devil! However if its ever rationed you can have my allocation free of charge!

 

On that note enjoy what's left of the day and be safe.

[Chris116]

I love Marmite! Cheese on toast with Marmite in between the bread and cheese mmmmmmmmm

[newbryford]

HB 45156 from NB.

 

[chrisf]

17 hours ago, laurenceb said:

The black dog has sliped his leash

Night awl

 

Laurence, you are not alone and will be less so as the current situation develops.

 

Chris

[polybear]

8 hours ago, AndrewC said:

8 1/2 years ago the people that adopted them returned them to the shelter after they split up. I will never understand people who could do that.

 

8 hours ago, Joseph_Pestell said:

 

Sadly, for many people that is the nature of marital break up. You end up living somewhere that you can not have pets.

 

 

I'll take another guess at this:

 

"I'm having the cats"

"No you're not - I am!"

 

"Think again"

"Dream on, they're my cats!"

 

"We'll have one each then"

"No way are we separating them - they'd hate it"

 

"Well you're not having them, and if I can't then they'll have to go back to the Shelter"

"Better that than separating them or you getting them, you B'Stard...."

[Ian Abel]

Morning all,

 Back later to read all that has happened, and it sure is a LOT of pages

 

For now, yesterday I got most of the track basically set out to determine where the garden railway would "venture", and have a questio0n for those with same...

 

Possibly I'm in the minority being in the US, the track is a mix of LGB and Aristocraft, more Aristo, so here's the questions;

i) Will the fishplates alone provide a decent enough connection initially for the track power, given I'll use some pliers to make sure there's a lot of positive contact. I've got a honking Aristo G-Gauge controller that's going to be used to start with.

ii) With the Aristo, they have screw attached fishplates, see below;

will they provide good enough additional electrical route, AND how the hell do you manage to get those tiny screws installed down on your hands and knees without losing the buqqers??